Recently I learned of a place in Italy where painting and creative writing courses are offered. Solo travelers to groups…it all looks like a place I want to visit. Check out what they have to say…
Month: January 2014
Destination Suggestions
Early in 2014 every website and travel guru has their best destination list for the year. I’ve taken a look at many of their suggestions and wanted to share some places and reasons to go there.
This is a list I found that works for foodies…
Marrakesh, Morocco for its Tagines. These classics are simmered in the conical clay cookware and often include food such as chicken with preserved lemons and olives or lamb with prunes.
Hong Kong, China apparently is home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.
Turin, Italy has so many reasons to visit if you are into food. It’s home to Salone del Gusto, the Slow Food organization’s biennial extravaganza of cuisine. Of course, there’s also abicerin, gianduja, Barolo wines, and truffles.
Lyon, France is known for its more than 20 Michelin starred restaurants in the city but also for its small, family run eating places. It’s a foodie paradise.
New Orleans, Louisiana offers food in the traditional Louisiana-French style to Cajun dishes to the mix of both. And, of course…there are those beignets.
More destinations will follow later…
Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?
According to a study I read, over 50% of Americans don’t know what travel insurance covers. Do you know? Do you purchase travel insurance?
Here are some facts from a report from ThePointsGuy.com, a travel news and advice website.
Expensive trips to international destinations with limited access to medical care…good time to have travel insurance.
Travel insurance does not protect against all types of trip cancellations.
Refundable airline tickets are probably better than travel insurance if you are worried about changing your mind. Travel insurance doesn’t usually reimburse for a simple change of plans.
Ask your credit card companies about protection they offer when you use their cards for traveling.
If you are getting travel insurance for medical reasons, ask detailed questions about the coverage offered. Also, ask about providers and access to them.
Concerned about stolen luggage? Make sure that is covered by the policy.
Interesting Flight Facts
Airline Tickets Tips
You’re planning your next trip and wonder how far in advance to purchase your airline tickets. What’s the optimal window? How far is too far? Yet, you really want tickets on a particular day.
What do you do?
After looking at multiple sites and multiple suggestions by trusted travel gurus, I have found answers all over the map. I’ve come to think there are no perfect suggestions that will work each and every time. Days of the week vary for purchasing. How far in advance to purchase varies according to different sites. Different airlines matter. When you are traveling matters.
A recent report form CheapAir tells us airfares are best at seven weeks prior to departure. Another report by Airlines Reporting Corporation says six weeks.
For domestic airfare, you can book too early, according to FareCompare. Three months is about right as that’s when domestic airlines start managing their flights and releasing the more affordable seats. It also helps if you are flexible when it comes to the dates.
If you’re traveling internationally, start your research early…try eight to nine months out. A good idea is to create a search on a site that will notify you when the prices change.
Of course, this might all change if you’re traveling a busy time of year. Think Christmas or summer vacations versus the middle of October. It really does matter.
Palm Springs in Winter
No visit to Palm Springs would be complete without checking out Elvis’s home. This mid 1960s home is fun to see both from the outside and a guided tour.
Many other stars’ homes, both past and current ones, are marked on several maps. Take time to do a walking tour.
Enjoy your winter escape to Palm Springs…
Paper Clips
Do you pack paper clips and binder clips in your travel bags? They don’t take up much room, weigh practically nothing, and have so many uses.
Use one when your skirt, pants, or shirt loses a button. Clip a shawl or pashmina at your waist for a quick, makeshift skirt.
Clip your documents together in your purse or bag. Use one clip for air documents, one for hotels, one for rental cars, and more.
Clip your cords together in your bag so they don’t wander around.
If using a paper map, clip it open to the spot you need. Clip the pages of your guidebook to make them easy to find.
Put a binder clip over the end of a regular, non-electric razor to prevent it from cutting anything in your luggage.
Clip your purse to the table or to your chair.
There are so many more. What do you use them for when you travel?
Before You Leave Home
Do you have a check list of things to do before you leave home for a long vacation? Here are some things you might want to add, if you don’t already have them on it.
Check the expiration dates on your passport and driver’s license.
Do you know what your medical coverage is? This is especially helpful if traveling to a foreign country.
Have you called your credit card companies and your bank?
Is someone picking up your mail and paper or do you need to stop the delivery?
Clean out your refrigerator.
Check your thermostat.
Unplug any unnecessary devices.
Check the weather at your destination.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked and your alarm is set.
Traveling With Pets
Away From Home
Do you have someone pick up your mail or newspaper when you leave for several days? Do you ask your neighbor to walk by and look at the house when you are gone?
You could ask your neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you are away. Ask a friend or neighbor to water your plants.
Anything else you do to make it look like someone is still at home?